Animation

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Introduction to Character Design
ARTS1840

Description: Visualizing character's structure, actions and emotions in a range of environments is critical in building projects your audience will want to experience! Students will practice designing original characters from their imagination. Colours, textures, and lighting are used to create mood and atmosphere to give a solid foundation to your projects.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Introduction to Life Drawing
ARTS1850

Description:

This course introduces students to the foundational principles of life drawing, focusing on accurately depicting the human form and its movement. Through a combination of classical measurement techniques and expressive drawing methods, students will learn to describe the human form in detail, identify elements of anatomy that can be stylized for animation, and define character movement based on anatomical structures. Emphasis is placed on creating drawings that convey structure, weight, and balance while expressing ideas and emotions convincingly.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Creating the Story
ARTS1860

Description:

A strong story enriches the narrative in any experience, keeps the audience engaged, emotionally invested in the characters, and provides a foundation for the project. The methods used to visualize the story are unique to the medium and require a special approach. Students will draw on the visual language of film as well as developing characters and their environments. Capturing the essence of a character's movement and emotion within quick sketches is essential to the exploration and evolution of story ideas.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Broadcast Technologies for Animators
DMED1500

Description:

Storytelling is the foundation and purpose for creating video. Whether it is live-action or animation, digital tools are needed to create the work. This course introduces various software used in the industry to create a show. Cinematic principles in live-action are transferred to the animation pipeline. Everything from camera angles, composition, lighting, directing, sound, are covered in the thorough course designed to help students understand the tools needed to create an animatic film.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Animation Theory
DSGN1360

Description:

This course introduces the fundamentals of animation, including basic software interface knowledge. Students will gain a solid foundation of these core skills, which will be applied and integrated throughout subsequent courses.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

Compositing
DMED1510

Description: Compositing is a very powerful tool in creating computer generated imagery (CGI) and this course introduces students to methods, software, and techniques which are indispensable. Students will use the principles of image construction and manipulation to augment their 3D work and integrate renders with live-action imagery to create cinematic footage.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Audio for Animators
DMED2000

Description: Examining the elements of dialogue, effects, soundscapes, and music, students will combine audio with the visual elements of film to create atmosphere and mood. Students will engage in hands-on construction of a short film soundtrack by live recording and sourcing audio from sound libraries. They will use both audio and video software and technology to manipulate the audio elements to create a cohesive, foundational-level short film soundtrack.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Character Design and Development
DSGN1370

Description: Building off previously acquired skills and knowledge, students will enhance their illustrative elements to create sophisticated characters that contribute towards telling a believable story. Students will apply principles of anatomy and physiology to create characters positioned into animation sequences.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ARTS1840
CoRequisites:

Rendering
DSGN1390

Description: Understanding the rendering process and the technology demands associated with a render will be explored and demonstrated via practical and applied projects. Students will be exposed to the terminologies and technologies associated with rendering to increase their animation vocabulary. Basic rendering via a variety of software and technologies will assist students’ in future complex rendering solutions and contribute towards their overall understanding of the relationships between the discrete animation elements, the environment constructs, and the rendering process. Students will be introduced to compositing post processes in order to become familiar with best practices and efficiencies throughout rendering.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Studio I
DSGN1410

Description:

This hands-on course integrates knowledge across classes past and present, recreating real-world production. Students will work on projects with industry guidance to learn time management, problem-solving, and software interface. This course will continue to develop and improve students' animation and software skills by applying the core principles they have learned.

Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Movement and Figure Analysis
DSGN1470

Description: Building on acquired life drawing skills, this course provides an in depth analysis of movement and form in the human body. An emphasis is placed on understanding the basics of body mechanics and how it applies to the figure. With in-depth attention to form, volume, design and anatomy, students are able to develop believable animation.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Introduction to 3D Animation-Body Mechanics
DMED1550

Description:

Introduction to 3D Animation-Body Mechanics serves as a springboard for students to transition their fundamental 2D animation skills, acquired in the program's first year, into 3D animation. This course emphasizes refining body mechanics with biped characters alongside an in-depth exploration of motion analysis and applying core animation principles in creating intricate 3D scenes. This course aims to deepen students' understanding of body mechanics within the context of character animation, bridging the gap between 2D and 3D animation techniques.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Modelling and Rigging I
DSGN1380

Description:

Working within a 3D animation environment requires precisely modeled and rigged assets with forethought given to all downstream production needs. This course will introduce those requirements, providing students with experience in modelling characters and then rigging them for animation. Emphasis will be placed on efficient topology while ensuring proper deformations and expressiveness can be achieved

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Lighting for Animation
DSGN1400

Description: In this course the student will be introduced to the principles involved in lighting, texturing and rendering and the impact lighting has on the final visuals and overall project. Students will use this foundational course in concurrent and future courses to demonstrate integration of all areas that contribute towards the production pipeline. Students will integrate basic lighting theory and ties to the rendering process throughout their work. Research and examples from the real world will be explored.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Studio II
DSGN2310

Description:

This hands-on course seamlessly integrates past and current knowledge, replicating real pre-production pipelines. Students will prepare for their Capstone, which focuses on the creation of a 3D character animated short. Students will work on projects mentored by industry veterans, learning time management, problem-solving, and software proficiency. This concentrated experience will sharpen your storytelling by employing the power of storyboarding, animatics, and layout – the essential tools to craft a captivating blueprint for their final animation project. Ensuring a smooth transition from pre-production to production stages in the succeeding semester.

Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: DSGN1410
CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

3D Animation-Full Body Performance
DMED1560

Description: This course is designed to build on the skills acquired in our previous animation training. Here we will bring our characters to life with a variety of full body performaces, with a focus on facial acting and lip-sync. This course will help to refine your acting skill set for the animation industry.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Evolving Technologies - Media and Design
DMED2030

Description:

This course will foster inquisitive attitudes towards the evolving technologies that are being employed in a range of media and design applications. Students will examine these new technologies, via hands-on applied projects that demonstrate what is currently being developed and/or utilized in the marketplace. Risk factors and analysis will be reviewed within the context of the adoption of technologies, and the complexity and uncertainty of implementation. Students projects will draw on historical examples that reinforce the positive/negative impact technology has played in shaping the world of work, along with forward thinking approaches that explore future opportunities associated with evolving technologies.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Modelling and Rigging II
DSGN2320

Description:

Building off previous courses, students will create a series of models of characters in environments which demonstrate skills of advanced character rigging and skinning techniques required by the project brief. These activities will be framed within the production pipeline, with students working independently as well as in groups, to execute high quality visual components that contribute towards an overall project.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: DSGN1380
CoRequisites:

Animation Capstone Project
DSGN2330

Description: This course is the culminating experience of the program. Students will work independently and/or in teams to create one capstone project, with faculty providing mentoring and support. This course also relies on the practical application of the essential employability skills of time and project management, self-awareness and interpersonal (skills) with additional focus on problem solving and design thinking. This final capstone project demonstrates the application and integration of the skills and knowledge obtained through their academic deliveries, as well as from their field placement experiences.

Hours: 112
Credits: 8
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Portfolio Development and Presentation
ETR2240

Description:

This course focuses on the curation and development of a professional portfolio that will meet and/or exceed industry expectations. After an objective review of individual career goals, students will demonstrate the skills and capabilities needed to identify and refine examples of their work that emphasize their personal strengths and ambitions. Students will customize a portfolio to meet specific job requirements and take advantage of holistic visual branding continuity to enhance presentation. Students will also participate in individual presentations and interview critiques to meet/exceed the industry standard level of verbal/non-verbal skills and expected professionalism.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: Program Option
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

View Program Option Electives

Please note that all courses may not be offered in all semesters. Go to your student portal for full timetabling details under "My Courses".

Project with Community Involvement
ARTS2270

Description:

Students will engage in various animation production tasks by leveraging the skills they've acquired in the animation program. In collaboration with animation industry professionals, students will produce production-ready work elements. This course simulates a real-world work environment to prepare students for their careers. The experience also facilitates stronger ties with industry professionals.

Hours: 80
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Field Placement (Animation)
FPLT2100

Description:

This course facilitates a placement experience with a company/agency which has been approved by the program. Students will take an active role in securing a placement by practising employability skills learned through preparatory courses. Engaging in the work environment of a professionally relevant company/agency will allow students to apply their education and skills contributing to their mutual benefit. Appropriate workplace behaviour and etiquette is expected as students use this opportunity to expand their network of industry contacts and effectively market their personal brand. Through this experience, students can cultivate confidence, escalate awareness of industry practices, add to their resume & portfolio, and contribute to their own career success.

Hours: 80
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: OHS1320 AND OHS8320
CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

Design, create and animate characters and objects using fundamental principles of animation.
Produce hand-drawn and/or computer-generated drawings using fundamental principles of art, design and composition.
Use a variety of tools and technologies to create, capture and animate elements.
Participate in the planning and implementation of animation projects.
Develop and execute believable animation sequences.
Create animation sequences that employ basic cinematography principles.
Use storytelling skills to create, develop and execute animation sequences.
Apply performance theory to the creation of animation.
Produce layouts and backgrounds with attention to composition, perspective and colour.
Present a visual concept to a target audience.
Use computer skills and appropriate digital asset management techniques to function effectively within a production pipeline.
Develop, assemble and present a demo reel or portfolio in a manner that meets current industry expectations, and highlights one’s creativity, skills and proficiency with relevant animation software and related technologies.